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Body eaten by alligators in Everglades canal investigated as homicide

SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. (WSVN) — Davie Police are investigating a decomposing body found partially eaten by alligators in a canal as a homicide.

According to Davie Police, the grisly discovery was made in a canal located off U.S. 27, near Sheridan Street, Monday night. Investigators said the gators did not kill the man and were eating his body after he had died.

“In order to protect our divers, we do have police officers with AR-15s, to make sure our divers are safe once they’re in the water,” said Davie Police Sgt. Pablo Castaneda.

Rescue crews managed to chase the alligators away. However, the animals stayed and lingered, making the investigation more difficult. “The gators did get at the remains, so our units were able to get the alligators back, and the investigation is ongoing,” said Castaneda.

Investigators said the gators tore the body apart so much that they initially couldn’t figure out whether it was a man or a woman or how long the body had been in the canal.

Following an autopsy on Tuesday, police confirmed this is a homicide investigation, and the medical examiner determined the body is a man. “Definitely, we want to identify who the victim is and to possibly figure out what happened to them. How did they end up here?” said Castaneda.

Construction workers in the area saw police back at the canal on Tuesday. They can’t believe this is now a crime scene. “Very amazing because I come in and out of here every day,” said Eddie Cousin. “I see a gator and think, ‘OK, it’s a gator. It’s the Everglades.’ I never realized that this was the place where they found a body.”

Police are trying to use fingerprints to figure out the man’s identity.

If you have any information that could help investigators, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.

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